Thirty-eight members of Islip High School’s Keep Islip Clean and Interact clubs, guided by KIC adviser Wayne Mennecke, ventured to the local Seatuck Environmental Center for Pond Day on May 21 to assist the staff with removing invasive flag irises from the property’s waterways. Islip’s students participate in these clubs to earn community service hours through acts of environmental stewardship, local cleanups and beautification projects.

The flag iris is an invasive species, native to parts of Asia; but in the United States, the plant can quickly cover the surface of an entire pond or small lake. This reduces the ability of native plants and animals to properly use the pond as a home or food source. Students spent four hours pulling the heavy, waterlogged irises from the pond and piling them on land so they can dry out and be disposed of by Suffolk County.  

Date Added: 6/18/2025